Physical Therapy Improves The Quality of Life for People with Parkinson's Disease

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, speech, and cognition. According to the Parkinson's Foundation, about one million Americans live with PD, and more than 10 million people worldwide are diagnosed with it.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PD, however, physical therapy can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

How can Physical Therapy help?

• Maintain or improve their mobility, strength, flexibility, and balance
• Reduce their risk of falls and injuries
• Enhance their confidence and independence in daily activities
• Learn strategies to cope with the challenges of living with PD

Physical therapists are experts in movement and function. They use exercise, and hands on techniques to improve strength, coordination and range of motion. Physical therapists also use exercise and activities to challenge and improve the balance of people with Parkinson's Disease. In addition, they can also provide education, guidance, and support for people with PD and their caregivers.

How research has proven physical therapy to help

Physical therapy for people with Parkinson's Disease is heavily researched and has been shown to be an effective intervention. One meta-study (a study that combines the results of many other studies) that covered 1827 participants found that when compared to no intervention, PT significantly improved:

• gait speed
• two- and six-minute walk test scores
• Freezing of Gait questionnaire
• the Timed Up & Go test
• Functional Reach Test
• and the Berg Balance Scale

These results indicate improvements in mobility, endurance, strength, and balance. Gait speed is an especially important measurement. Physical therapists often consider gait speed a "vital sign." This is because low gait speed has been linked to:

• declines in functional mobility
• higher rates of hospitalization
• higher fall rates
• cognitive decline
• increased disability
• and higher risk of death

A larger meta study that included 191 studies with 7998 participants found that PT significantly improved motor symptoms, gait, and quality of life. Specifically:

• Resistance and treadmill training improved gait.
• Strategy training improved balance and gait.
• Dance, Nordic walking, balance and gait training, and martial arts improved motor symptoms, balance, and gait.

Summary

Physical therapy can be beneficial at any stage of PD, from the time of diagnosis to the advanced stages. It is a valuable treatment option for people with PD, as it can help to improve or maintain their physical function, mobility, and independence. Physical therapy can also enhance their quality of life, confidence, and well-being.

If you or someone you know has PD, talk to your doctor about getting a referral to a physical therapist. You can also find a physical therapist near you by visiting the American Physical Therapy Association's website at www.apta.org. If you are in the Falls Church, Arlington, or surrounding area, call us up at Advantage Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment!

About The Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association

Founded in 1956, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association champions the success of physical therapist-owned businesses. Our members are leaders and innovators in the healthcare system. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 85,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy nationwide. For more information, please visit www.ppsapta.org.

Author

Alana Hamilton Alana Hamilton is a physical therapist at Advantage Physical Therapy in Falls Church, Virginia. She is a proud Hokie from Virginia Tech with a major in Biology and a minor in psychology and sociology. Following graduation, she immediately got her doctorate in Physical Therapy from Radford University. She is an avid fan of Pilates, running, and hiking. On the weekends, she can be found hanging out with her family and baby as well as doing Spartan races with her old physical therapy classmates and friends. She is a big believer that during rehabilitation, "Motion is the Lotion" and that staying active is key to remaining healthy.